Gilgit Baltistan's focal person for coronavirus Dr Shah Zaman has warned that the coronavirus situation in the region can get "out of control" if the Centre and provinces do not cooperate on enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to tourism.

Dr Zaman said at least 150 cars carrying tourists were entering in the region daily, adding that 95 per cent of the tourists did not have their lab reports with them. "Because of this, we have started random testing at entry points. Associations of hotel owners are interfering and raising objections to this which is making it difficult to control the spread of corona.

"The health department has very limited resources to combat corona. If this irresponsible practice continues, it can create a concerning situation," he said.

He further said that an "emergency meeting" had been called tomorrow to decide on an "effective policy".